Zachary's Compass Pocketbooks

“Reflections Through Time”

Zachary Willcutt

The purpose of my business, “Zachary’s Pocketbooks,” is to make history more interesting by placing it into short story form, allowing one to see that to understand the mistakes of the past is to alter the future.  Many times, I have heard people say that history is boring or irrelevant, but in reality it is vital to us today in history’s discourse.  I am fascinated with history, which has inspired me to write my book “What Would George Washington Say?” Taking place in Washington D.C., this is in a first-person perspective regarding George Washington. I looked at several political issues and a number of George Washington’s quotes and brought the two together in the text.  This formed a short historical fiction story, beginning the first of several short booklets.

The plot is that George Washington was dining with John Adams and then he suddenly found himself in the U. S. Senate Chamber.  After he exited, he met a senator who invited him into the Senator’s Office to discuss several questions of Washington.  Throughout the discussion, as political issues are brought up, Washington repeats several selected quotes relevant to current political issues.  The first booklet concludes after he goes to the Library of Congress, but the story continues in the second booklet, which I am currently outlining. 

I am revising my first booklet because I only had six weeks to write it.  I did not have enough time to finish editing it properly because I was in the Generation E Class in Battle Creek, Michigan.  Everyone in the class had to have a business or partner with someone else to start one for the business showcase competition. I was at a loss for ideas.  Because history is my favorite subject, I decided to write a short historical fiction story.  I had to work rapidly to have it completed by May 18 (the day preceding the competition) because I had to sell a booklet previous to it in order for it to be a viable business.  Often, I had to work late into the night.  The most difficult part about my business is the editing, which is disjointed and tedious.  In addition to writing my book, I had to fill out a very descriptive business plan.

On the day of the competition, May 19, I had barely managed to encompass everything and smooth out any wrinkles of self-publishing.  I also practiced presenting to judges.  My presentation simply flowed out once I was there. I was able to speak easily on my feet.  As the competition began, I sold many booklets.  I went out and shook hands with many of my customers as I stood near my display.  As the judges circulated in groups of two or three by my table, I went through my presentation and it flowed seamlessly.  While I was presenting, I attempted to address any potential questions before they could even be asked.  Selling continued throughout the entire competition.  I was surprised when it was announced that I had won the first-place overall achievement award for the middle school category! 

I still have requests for additional booklets. It is my intention to continue writing and to expand my business.  Like I stated earlier, I am currently revising my first booklet and outlining the second one.  In addition, I am also planning on outlining and writing a two-booklet “What Would Thomas Jefferson Say?” series, and, for next summer, I am considering a booklet about the party opposite the Mensheviks.

I feel that I have been successful because my idea is unique. It broke broad subjects down into more minute, digestible pieces.  I have also had positive feedback from judges, teachers, students and others.